FriendnPal, Africa’s AI multilingual mental health platform, has hosted over 500 children with disabilities and their caregivers to a Christmas party in Lagos.
The firm provided free medical check-ups, business grants, and HMOs to the caregivers of persons with disabilities.
The kids were also engaged in games and social activities, as they were rewarded with prizes at the event.
Speaking on the event, Founder, Esther Eruchie, said its aim was to put smiles on the young persons with disabilities, including cerebral palsy, autism and their caregivers. ‘’
“Today is our end of year inclusive Christmas party for persons with disabilities, and their caregivers. We celebrate these special children with gifts and empower their parents. I was inspired to cater for these kids about two years ago after I lost my autism brother to death. The tragic incident led my mum into depression and she died from the stigma.’’
Eruchie said FriendnPal is revolutionising mental health support applications, adding it is a non-profit organisation.
She promised to launch her NGO, Cecilia Ifeanyi Nwakaego Foundation, to cater for more children.
Lead Therapist at FriendnPal, Rachel Ogaji, urged the public tnot to stigmatise mothers of children with disabilities.
“The fact that a kid is born with disability does not mean we should look down on them or we feel disgusted. They are humans just like us, we just have to make little adjustments to actually make the world better,” Ogaji said.
On his part, the Co-founder and CEO of Mymedicare Healthcare, Chukwuka Pascal said its firm collaborated with FriendnPal to offer free medical test, consultation and screen guests for diabetes, blood pressure and others.